Jasmine Rayward
18
YEARS OLD
QLD
BURLEIGH HEADS MOWBRAY PARK
9
2023/2024 SERIES
swim
STENGTH
Bio
Jasmine Rayward has lived on the Gold Coast all her life, and started surf life saving when in the U6s at Kurrawa. When she was still in school, Rayward had already represented Junior Australia teams an incredible eight times – in surf life saving (Worlds 2022, Battle of the Tasman and NZ National Pool Rescue Championships), Kayaking (Worlds 2022 and 2023- Junior Womens K1-1000 3rd, NZ National Championships), ocean ski (Worlds 2022- 3rd) and open water swimming (Worlds 2022). In her debut Iron Series, Rayward claimed a silver medal in the fourth Round and earned herself requalification. Outside of training and racing, she loves to read, look at the cats up for adoption on the AWLQ website, build Harry Potter Lego, and eat.
Jasmine, how old were you when you started surf lifesaving and why?
I started SLS as an U6, but because I was one of the youngest I hadn’t even started school yet. My parents put me into it for fun and for an appreciation of the ocean. I didn’t enjoy it much at the start because I there was too much time on the sand and not enough time in the water. As soon as we were allowed to swim and do board it became a lot more fun. I’m no beachie.
Who was your hero growing up in and out of surf lifesaving?
I never really had any one person that I idolised when I was younger. However, as I began to be more interested in the sport, I was fortunate enough to have Brielle Cooper at the same club as me and it was pretty great to see how amazing she was. And now, we’re both at BHMP and training and racing together.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
“Relax.” – Kingy (coach)
Your advice for aspiring Shaw and Partners Iron Series athletes?
“Fake it ’til you make it,” I find that acting more confident than I feel turns into actual confidence and that’s when I race my best.
What do you think about on the start line?
Getting to the first can as quickly as I possibly can. That’s changed quite a bit in the last few years as I used to think about my book instead.
Jasmine, what has been a high and low in your surf sports journey?
Making the Iron Series has been the highest point for sure. I’ve never really had a low, definitely some races that haven’t gone as well as hoped, but it’s only ever been temporary and I’ve always finished the day with a benefit.
Do you have any pets?
I have a cat (Dusty- 11) and dog (Larry <1). Larry loves Dusty, but that isn’t reciprocated.
Do you have a secret talent?
Not that I’m aware of. Hopefully it’s something useful.